Brand Updates

What’s in the name?

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Missouri State recently strengthen its logo package by registering its primary marks. The move adds a layer of protection to the university’s name and official logos.

Do you see ®?

The Registered symbol ® is now a part of the Missouri State University wordmark and Bear head logo. These updated logos are rolling out in digital, print and wearable examples.

You may access Registered primary and standard unit logos from the brand website.

As you produce office or department collateral items, please use Registered logos. Materials with the ™ symbol are still representative and do not need replacement.

For more information, please contact the editorial and design services office.

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrate the naming of the Bill and Lucille Magers Family Health and Wellness Center

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The campus community welcomed the opening and dedication of the Bill and Lucille Magers Family Health and Wellness Center this spring. We’re proud of the new facility and the great services and opportunities it brings to campus.

How to reference

To ensure consistency through the many communications about the center, please reference its name accordingly.

Print

  • Upon first reference: Bill and Lucille Magers Family Health and Wellness Center
  • Upon second reference: Magers Health and Wellness Center

Digital

  • On websites or social media accounts: Magers Health and Wellness Center

Indexes

  • On items like the campus map: Magers Health and Wellness Center, Bill, Lucille and Family

Additional resources

Check out the Editorial Style Guide for additional text resources.

University advancement sub-brand finds its voice

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With the launch of the university advancement sub-brand, special focus is given to messaging to ensure maximum readability when writing for alumni, donor and friends of Missouri State.

Below are some of the best practices being executed in the development of sub-brand text to boost comprehension, retention and action.

Contributed by Michelle Rose

Shorter is better

  • Shorter paragraphs
    • One to three sentences. Three is max. 25 words max for lead, i.e., first paragraph.
  • Shorter sentences
    • Eight words is perfect sentence length; occasionally longer is OK; 21 words should be max
  • Shorter words
    • Goal is five characters; one syllable or two is ideal

Be visual

  • Use large images
  • Break up text with infographics/numbers/timelines

Ellis Hall

More entry points

  • In text longer than 250 words, ensure there is at least one overall headline, and a minimum of two subheads
  • Create infographics
    • If something is a number, date, fact, timeline, etc., pop it out in a large box rather than keep it in paragraph or narrative-style text
  • Use more “chunks” of information
    • For fact-based stories that don’t have a natural story arc (nonprofiles, nonnarratives), break out each “thought” or thesis into its own chunk, complete with a mini headline or subhead
  • Break out all calls to action

Flex voice to connect with readers

  • Ask more questions (How will you inspire others? Etc.)
  • Be personal by using more us/you/we language (i.e., not “The university will endeavor to accomplish the goals” but “we will reach our goals.”)
  • Don’t use passive sentences
  • Focus on MSU pride and more use of the words from the overall university branding campaign

Brand-backed works bring home CASE Gold

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Works by members of the publications office were recently recognized by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, District VI, with top honors for design and writing.

Student recruitment – Viewbook prospectus

MSU viewbook

The undergraduate viewbook was awarded Gold in the 2018 CASE competition. The viewbook highlights the design talents of Veronica Adinegara, senior graphic designer, and prose of Michelle Rose, writer/editor. Images featured in the viewbook are works by the MSU office of photographic services.

Periodical staff writing – Missouri State magazine features

Missouri State MagazineAlumni enjoy a variety of feature articles each issue written by Michelle Rose. Her feature writing was recognized with a Gold award. Features include “Inspiration, innovation, imagination, inquiry, impact: Research at Missouri State,” “Flash backs: Stories from alumni who played important roles in Homecomings Past” and “Singing to the nation our message of unity and hope.”

 

 

Institutional relations – Annual report

Foundation Annual Report

The Foundation Annual Report provides a financial and activity report to members of the Missouri State University Foundation, as well as those interested in the university. Teri Poindexter, graphic designer, was recognized with a CASE Gold award for her work on the publication, which highlights the university advancement sub-brand.

Other publications earning CASE recognition are the 2017 issue of Mind’s Eye with a Silver award, designed by Amy Schuldt, and the alumni magazine feature “Singing to the Nation Our Message of Unity and Hope,” with a Bronze award written by Michelle Rose and designed by Amy Schuldt.